CIS 2200 |81 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS|GUARANTEED SUCCESS

CPU (central processing unit) the part of the system unit of a computer that is responsible for data processing (brains of the computer). largest and most important chip in the computer. controls all the functions performed by the computer's other components and process all the commands issued to it by software instructions. Application Software A program that performs a useful task outside of maintaining the computer and its resources. This can include software that provides functionality for users such as writing papers and calculating budgets, or can even refer to games and programs that entertain. Arithmetic-Logic Unit (ALU) The part of the CPU that performs arithmetic and logical operations. Binary Form The form in wich data and instructions can be read by the CPU-only 0s and 1s. Bit Short for Binary Digit (0s and 1s), the only data the CPU can process. Byte 8-Bit string of data, needed to represent and one alphanumeric character or simple mathematical operation Cache Memory A type of memory used to temporarily store frequently used data or programs for quick access; similar to RAM but faster. Computer Programs The sequence of instructions for the computer, which comprise software. Control Unit Portion of the CPU that controls the flow of information. Fat Clients Desktop computer systems that offer full functionality Documentation Written descriptions of the functions of a software program. Flash Memory Device a non volatile, solid-state portable storage device that can download, store, and upload a limited but significant amount of information; also called "flash drive" or "memory card" Graphical User Interface (GUI) System software that allows users to have direct control of visible objects (such as icons) and actions, which replace command syntax. Haptic Interface Technology that adds the sense of touch using vibration and/or motions to an environment that previously only had visual and textual elements, ex. Wii, Kinect Laptop Computer Portable and personal computer, small enough to fit on your lap. (also called a Notebook computer) Magnetic Discs/Hard Drives/ Fixed Disk Drives A form of secondary storage on a magnetized disk divided into tracks and sectors that provide addresses for various pieces of data. Magnetic Tape A secondary storage medium on a large open reel or in a similar cartage or cassette. Mainframes Relatively large computers used in large enterprises for extensive computing applications that are accessed by thousands of users. Microcomputers The smallest and least expensive category of general-purpose computers; also called micros, personal computers, or PCs Microprocessor The CPU, made up of millions of transistors embedded in a circuit on a silicon wafer or chip. A silicon chip that contains a CPU. In the world of personal computers, CPU and it are used interchangeably. Sit at the heart of all personal computers and most workstations. Also control the logic of almost all digital devices, from clock radios to fuel-injection systems for automobiles. Minicomputers Relatively small, inexpensive, and compact midrange computers that perform the same functions as mainframe computers, but to a more limited extent. Moore's Law Prediction by Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel that there will be an exponential increase in processing power and decline in the cost of computer technology appx every 2 years Multimedia Technology Computer based integration of text, sound, still images, animation, and digitized full-motion video. Open-Source Software Software that can be distributed and modified freely by users; Linux is the best-known example. Open Systems Information systems that use common standards for hardware, software, applications, and networking to create a computing environment that allows easy access by end users and their networked computer systems. Operating System Also known as an "OS," this is the software that communicates with computer hardware on the most basic level. Without an operating system, no software programs can run. Optical Storage Device A form of secondary storage in which a laser reads the surface of a reflective plastic platter. Personal Application Software General-purpose, off-the-shelf application programs that support general types of processing, rather than being linked to any specific business function. Primary Storage Volatile, high Speed but temporary storage located on the motherboard used by the CPU to process data and instructions. Consists of RAM, ROM, and Cache Memory. Proprietary Software Software program developed by a company that has restrictions on its use that are delineated by copyright, patents, or license agreements Random Access Memory The part of primary storage that holds the software program and small amounts of data for processing when they are brought from secondary storage. Volatile (will lose if computer is shut off). Read Only Memory memory placed on the motherboard by the manufacturer and contains instructions, such as BIOS ROM, that tell the computer how to start itself. This data cannot be accessed or modified by application programs. The contents of this memory are not lost when the computer is shut down. Registers High speed short term storage areas in the CPU. A "scratch pad" area of the microprocessor which data or instructions are moved so they can be processed. Secondary Storage A type of memory that can hold large amounts of data for long periods of time, even when there is no power to the computer Sequential Access A characteristic of data storage, usually on computer tape, that requires a device to read or write data one record after another, starting at the beginning of the medium. Server A computer in a network that provides access to other computers in the network to programs, web pages, data, or other files and services, such as printer access or communications access. Social Interface A user interface that guides the user through computer applications by using cartoonlike characters, graphics, animation, and voice commands. Software A series of detailed step-by-step instructions that tell the computer what functions to complete and when to complete them. Solid State Drives Uses flash memory to store data, instructions, and information. They have faster access times and transfer rates than standard magnetic hard disks and also consume less power. The down side to them is that they are more expensive and have a higher failure rate. Supercomputer A computer that was the fastest in the world at the time it was constructed. Primarily used in scientific and military work for computationally demanding tasks on a very large data sets. Systems Software Type of computer instructions that serve primarily as an intermediary between computer hardware and application programs; provides important self regulatory functions for computer systems. Tablet Computer portable computing device featuring touch screen used as a drawing or writing pad Thin-Client Systems Desktop computer systems that do not offer the full functionality of a PC Thumb Drive A type of solid-state storage that is portable, about the size of a flattened thumb, and usually has a USB interface. Also called a flash drive or jump drive. Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for overseeing all uses of information technology and ensuring the strategic alignment of IT with business goals and objectives. Must be a manager, leader and communicator IS Director manages all systems throughout the organization and daily operation of the entire IS organization Information Systems (IS) An integrated solution that combines five components: hardware, software, data, procedures, and the people who interact with and are impacted by the system.